Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Overview

Hobart and William Smith prepares students to lead lives of consequence. A liberal arts and sciences institution, HWS is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. The faculty are nationally recognized and accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. Emerging world challenges are previewed in the classroom while critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills are honed. More than 60% of students study abroad, spurring cultural exploration and global citizenship. HWS’ sophisticated career services program includes a guaranteed internship or research opportunity with funding available.

Hobart and William Smith offers more than 70 academic programs; the most popular include Economics, Media & Society, Environmental Studies, Psychological Science, English, Biology and Health Professions, Business Management and Entrepreneurship, and Architectural Studies. Graduate programs include a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Science in Management.

Students complement their broad interdisciplinary study through programming provided through 12 HWS Centers for research, action and thought:

• Adams Intercultural Center
• Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship
• Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
• Center for Global Education
• Center for Teaching and Learning
• Finger Lakes Institute for Environmental Research
• Fisher Center for Gender and Justice
• LGBTQ+ Resource Center
• Office of Spiritual Engagement
• Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education
• Trias Residency for Writers

Originally founded as Hobart College for men and William Smith College for women, today’s institution – Hobart and William Smith – is united and has always had one campus, one faculty and one administration.

Located on the shore of Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes, the campus is situated on the traditional territory of the Onondowaga or “the people of the Great Hill.” The location allows faculty, staff and students an opportunity to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake.

Hobart and William Smith sponsors 31 varsity sports, which compete in NCAA Division III – with the exception of Hobart lacrosse which competes in Division I. Student-athletes play for championship caliber teams without sacrificing academic pursuits. The Statesmen and Herons have a legacy of success in the athletic arena that boasts 26 team national championships, including the three-time NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Champions, and nearly 700 All-Americans.

Accreditation

Hobart and William Smith is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.). Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: New England Commission of Higher Education, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514; (781) 425 7785; E-Mail: info@neche.org

Registered Programs

The following is Hobart and William Smith’s inventory of registered programs approved by the New York State Education Department. The listing contains program title, degree awarded, and HEGIS code number.

Undergraduate Programs

Africana Studies, B.A., 0305
American Studies, B.A., 0313
Anthropology, B.A., 2202
Anthropology and Sociology, B.A., 2208
Architectural Studies, B.A., 0202
Art History, B.A., 1003
Asian Studies, B.A., 0301
Biochemistry, B.S., 0414
Biology, B.A., B.S., 0401
Bodies, Disabilities, and Justice, B.A. 2299
Business Management and Entrepreneurship, B.S., 0506
Chemistry, B.A., B.S., ACS B.S., 1905
Classics, B.A., 1504
Computer Science, B.A., B.S., 0701
Dance, B.A., 1008
Economics, B.A., 2204
Educational Studies, B.A., 0801
English, B.A., 1501
Environmental Science, B.S. 0420
Environmental Studies, B.A., 0420
French and Francophone Studies, B.A., 1102
Gender and Feminist Studies, B.A., 4903
Geoscience, B.A., B.S., 1999
Greek, B.A., 1110
Greek and Roman Studies, B.A., 1504
History, B.A., 2205
Individual Studies, B.A., B.S., 4901
International Relations, B.A., 2210
Latin, B.A., 1109
Latin American Studies, B.A., 0308
LGBTQ+ Studies, B.A., 4903
Mathematics, B.A., B.S., 1701 
Media and Society, B.A., 0699 
Music, B.A., 1005
Philosophy, B.A., 1509
Physics, B.A., B.S., 1902
Politics, B.A., 2207
Psychological Science, B.A., B.S., 2001
Public Health, B.A., 1214
Religious Studies, B.A., 1510
Sociology, B.A., 2208
Spanish and Hispanic Studies, B.A., 1105
Studio Art, B.A., 1002
Theatre, B.A; 1007
Writing and Rhetoric, B.A., 1599

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership (08.05)
Master of Arts in Teaching (08.08)
Master of Science in Management (905.06)

Teacher Certification

The Teacher-Education Program (TEP) combines one of six teacher certification majors (Adolescent Education, Art Education, Childhood Education, Inclusive Adolescent Education, Inclusive Childhood Education, TESOL) in Educational Studies Department with extensive classroom experience in local schools.

In addition to the teacher certification major, additional majors or coursework may be required, as outlined below. Students can receive New York State initial teacher certification in the following areas:

• Adolescence Education (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English Language Arts, French, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, Spanish): Major in Adolescent Education; Major in content area
• Adolescence Education (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English Language Arts, French, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, Spanish) and Students with Disabilities (All Grades): Major in Adolescent Education; Major in content area; 8 additional content core courses
• Childhood (1-6): Major in Childhood Education
• Childhood (1-6) and Students with Disabilities (All Grades): Major in Inclusive Childhood Education; 8 additional content core courses
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PK-12): Major in TESOL
• Visual Arts (PK-12): Major in Art Education; Minor in Studio Art; 2 additional Art History courses

HWS students can also earn a Master of Arts degree through a fifth-year program at HWS, in the following areas:

• Adolescent Education
• Childhood Education
• Special Education Childhood

Graduation Rate

The graduation rate for students entering in the fall of 2020 and graduated by 2026 (six years later) was more than 81% Additional information on graduation rates and student retention is available from the Office of the Registrar.